Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush today announced that the New York state annual free fishing weekend will take place June 25 and 26. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), each year the last full weekend in June is designated as Free Fishing Days in New York state. During those two days, anyone can fish New York state waters, and no fishing license is required.

“With the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and numerous streams, rivers and ponds here in the North Country, fishing is a popular recreational pastime for residents and visitors. I encourage people to take advantage of the free fishing weekend and get out on some of our beautiful waterways to fish and enjoy the North Country’s abundant natural resources,” the assemblyman said.

New York State Free Fishing Days started in 1991 to give all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York state has to offer, with no license required.

In addition to the June Free Fishing Days weekend, there are a number of "Free Fishing Events" held in various locations across the state. Free Fishing Events are DEC-sponsored events (such as family fishing clinics) where participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology. A local free fishing event will take place on July 24, 2011 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Antique Boat Museum Docks, 750 Mary Street, Clayton. For more information, you can visit www.dec.ny.gov/.